Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Councillors were presented with an information report outlining how representation on Middlesex County Council will be determined for the 2026–2030 term during the January 13 meeting.
The item was introduced by Marci Ivanic, Director of Legislative Services and County Clerk, who explained that the report was intended as a reminder ahead of the next municipal election. “This is just an information report, but with the 2026 election coming up, we want to bring it forward to remind everyone of our representation by-law as outlined in the report,” Ivanic said.
Ivanic explained that representation is governed by a county by-law enacted in 1999, which establishes thresholds based on the number of electors in each municipality. “Municipalities with 5,000 or more electors will be represented by the mayor and deputy mayor for the 2026 to 2030 term,” she said. Municipalities with fewer than 5,000 but more than 1,500 electors are represented by their mayor, while municipalities with fewer than 1,500 electors have no representation on county council.
The elector numbers referenced in the report are drawn from the last revised polling lists following the 2022 municipal election and were certified by each local municipal clerk. Ivanic noted that the figures determine representation automatically under the existing by-law.
During discussion, Councillor Brian Ropp raised a question regarding the elector count for North Middlesex. “I’d just like to see some confirmation on those numbers,” Ropp said, noting they appeared lower than previously reported. Ivanic responded that the matter would be reviewed. “We’ll be meeting with local county clerks in February, and I’ll be raising this report and representation,” she said.
Councillor Michelle Smibert asked whether the 1999 by-law is reviewed on a regular basis. CAO Paul Shipway responded that the by-law has not been formally revisited since it was enacted. He noted that representation issues, including governance considerations involving smaller communities, are expected to be reviewed during the next council term. “That’ll be a governance review conducted in 2027–2028 of the next term,” Shipway said.
Ivanic added that while the by-law has not undergone a formal review, governance-related reports have been discussed at council in the past, and decisions were made not to reopen it.
Council ultimately voted to receive the report for information and to forward it to the clerks of each local municipality, with the motion carried unanimously.
